Youth Soccer Academy Open to SWM Rec

Stevensville – SWM Rec is inviting their participants to join the best, local youth soccer academy in SWM Michigan. The SWM Kickers Academy is run by Lakeshore Varsity Coach Brian Samuel, who has partnered with Jefferson Clark, SWM Rec, to make the registration available to the SWM Rec soccer community.

For those not familiar with SWM Kickers Academy, it’s intended for those players (Ages U7 and U8, Birth Years 2014 and 2015) who are interested in advanced training for their future soccer player. This program is ideal for those looking to eventually transition their youth soccer player to a competitive, travel team in the future. This provides a great introduction to travel like soccer but also allows them to participate in their local recreational league as well.

The difference between this program and our traditional SWM Recreational Soccer League is that this program is an annual registration and will have activity in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Games fall on Sundays (Note: Some travel is required), practices are held Mondays in the fall, and Tuesdays in the spring. 6 Practices will be held in the winter, indoors)

Practices are held at the Kohn-Lehmann Soccer Complex and are run by Lakeshore Varsity Coach Samuel. Game format follows the rules outlined by West Michigan Youth Soccer Association (‘WMYSA’). Registration cost is $125. For more information regarding this opportunity please follow the link below:

SWM Academy

Should you have any questions about this opportunity, please do not hesitate in reaching out anytime.

Jefferson

jefferson@swmrec.com

SWM Rec 2021 Fall Registration is Now Open

Well, it appears soccer is very much alive and well in Stevensville, America and boy did it come back with a BANG! A statement was made … Soccer belongs in Stevensville. So, why stop in the spring? Seems we ought to follow this up with an encore. Please register at our VERY NEW AND IMPROVED registration system at the below link (Only one ID is required this time team : ) promise) by clicking HERE.

Key Dates to Remember for the Fall

*ALL REGISTRATION FEES MUST BE CAUGHT UP TO REGISTER IN THE FALL* 

Early Bird Registration – May 15^th – June 15^th

Regular Registration – June 16^th – July 16^th

Late Registration – July 17^th – July 26^th *$25 Late Fee Applies* 

Coaching Rosters – July 26^th

Volunteering Begins – July 24^th

SWM Rec Cup Week – 1st Week of August

Meet your Team, Coaches, and Board Members – August 7^th

Equipment Handout – August 7^th

Picture Form Handout – August 7^th

Practices Begin week of – August 9^th

Uniform Handout – August 21^st

Picture Day – August 28^th

Games Begin – September 4^th

Season Ends – October 30^th

*NO SOCCER THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 11^th*

Note that all dates are Tentative

For those interested in a competitive style of play option, there is an opportunity to try out for an SWM Competitive Travel Team. Tryouts begin June 12^th. All you have to do is register by clicking HERE.

We are very very grateful to all of you for joining us this spring and hope to have all of you back in the fall. Fee structure can be found at the following link: 

Season Schedule and Age Divisions

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Jefferson                    

jefferson@swmrec.com

Brittany

vp@swmrec.com

Ladies and Gentlemen of SWM Rec:

I love you. Very very much. Sincerely. With this love, comes a little discipline and respect. Please remember to use the parking lot off of Rockey Weed. Also remember, NOT to park on or around the grass area of the Lakeshore Youth Soccer Complex. Parking violators, will be cited, towed at their expense, and asked not to return. Also, remember to stay away from, and off of the construction site, construction equipment, and dirt mounds. No exceptions.

Now, I have the support of our community, SWM Rec, SWM SC, Lincoln Charter Township, and the Lincoln Charter Police Department. They have trusted me, and our Board, with ensuring that the rules be followed and applied, and we will ensure that this happens. Let today serve as an example.

Lincoln Charter Township has decided to invest money into our facility based on the interest we have in SWM Rec. Thankfully. However, if they determine that their requests have been ignored, they could very well decide not to invest money into our facility for better parking or better facilities.

In the case of handicap parking, those with an approved Disability Parking Placard with them, we have a solution to allow for a safe drop-off and pickup to the fields adjacent to Cleveland Avenue. When you arrive, all that we ask of you is to display your Disability Parking Placard and drive around the outskirts of the facility to the drop zone. Then return your car back to the Rockey Weed parking lot. All parking must be done in the Rockey Weed Parking Lot.

Coaches, please re-iterate this to your team and forward them to me with any questions or concerns. I’d be happy to help them.

Thanking you in advance.

Jefferson

president@lakeshoreyouthsoccer.com

Good afternoon parents, coaches, and players!

Picture day number one was a great success, we heard lots of good things about how smooth things went and we are hoping to have the same for this coming weekend for picture day number two! Pictures will take place near the concession stand. Please look for the tents/tables for check in. Keep your team together and do your best to collect all packets and have one person at the check in table. This will ease in the congestion and keep things moving quickly. Below you will find the schedule for picture day. Make sure you arrive prior to your picture times and get settled in with your coach and team. 

Masks will need to be worn until your picture time. Your child will be able to take off their mask during their individual pictures and during the group photo. Your coach will determine your jersey color for pictures so look to them for what color you will be wearing. 

Your coach should have delivered your picture packet to you by this time, however if they have not you can look on the website to see the order forms and get an idea of what pictures you will be purchasing. There will be paper order forms at the field should you need more. 

Look below to find the schedule for Saturday May 8th.

MAY 8th Picture Day
7:40 AM	8:00 AM	8:20 AM	8:40 AM
U12 COED Team 3 Cross	U6 GIRLS Team 7 Lovell	U6 GIRLS Team 6 Burke	U4 COED Team 10 Johnson
U6 GIRLS Team 2 James	U6 GIRLS Team 5 Silverthorn	U6 BOYS Team 3 Deja	U6 BOYS Team 2 Arnold
U6 GIRLS Team 4 Krauss	U6 GIRLS Team 1 Korfmacher	U6 GIRLS Team 3 Longobardi	U6 BOYS Team 9 Kohtz
9:00 AM	9:20 AM	9:40 AM	10:00 AM
U12 COED Team 1 Colthorp	U6 BOYS Team 10 Wolf	U10 BOYS Team 1 Clark	U10 BOYS Team 3 Pschigoda
U10 BOYS Team 4 Burgess	U6 GIRLS Team 8 Schmidt	U10 BOYS Team 5 Rasmussen	U8 BOYS Team 3 Crowder
U6 BOYS Team 7. Lopez	U8 GIRLS Team 8 Zavoral	U10 GIRLS Team 2 King	U8 GIRLS Team 1 Van Dusen

Stephanie Watkins | Picture Coordinator

SWM Rec (Formerly Lakeshore Youth Soccer League) e: stephanie@lakeshoreyouthsoccer.com w: www.swmrec.com

Like SWM Rec on Facebook! SWM Rec is a part of Southwest Michigan Soccer Club, Inc.

Irrigation; Auxiliary Parking Lot Work To Begin May 3rd

Well Team (all of you are on our team by the way), appears the statement we have made has been heard again, again, again,..etc. Our beloved Lincoln Charter Township has seen the ravenous appetite you all have for soccer, so much so, that they have accelerated development efforts toward an improved driveway for our location.

Refer back to my publication dated March 11^th, ‘Irrigation; Auxiliary Parking Lot Approved by LCT Leaders’ by clicking HERE. Well, with all the cars dotting our lawn, they want to provide a more structured driveway for us to enjoy. Sooner, rather than later. LCT is AS excited as we are of the interest in our program and would like to see it continue.

Therefore, the contract for work was signed April 30^th, between the Contractor and LCT to begin work on our new driveway. The Contractor is set to begin this today, May 3^rd. With this being the case, the driveway off of Cleveland Avenue will be blocked off beginning today, Monday, through the completion of the project.

As a measure of precaution, please respect the placement of the construction barrels and avoid moving or driving through them or around them or over them. We kindly ask of you to use the Rocky Weed parking in the interim to allow the Contractor to complete the work approved, safely, and speedily.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Please pay close attention to your kiddos to ensure they steer clear of the new construction zone. And while the construction equipment may look like an enticing play gym, they are most certainly NOT! We would like to avoid any Curious George’s out there. Please help us, avoid this.

This project will move along as quickly as weather permits. Please be patient as they proceed to the tune of $133,070 worth of work on our behalf. This has been decades in the making, and TODAY they break ground! Your voice has been heard very…LOUD. And very CLEAR. Y’all want soccer and y’all want it now.  

Again, special thanks to the best township in America for making this happen for us, as quickly as they have:

Dick Stauffer, Terrie Smith, Stacy Loar-Porter, Marc Florian, Deb Peterson, Rick Stone, Kevin Gillette, Dave Austin, Gil Urban (SWM SC), Jay Meeth (SWM SC), Jarrett Burgess (SWM Rec) and Yours Truly.

I can personally attest, that their management of our facility and our community’s resources are in the finest government hands in the state of Michigan. An exceptional example of governance at its finest.

Should you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at president@lakeshoreyouthsoccer.com or Ms. Terrie Smith (or Ms. T, as I call her), Township Treasurer, at tsmith@lctberrien.org, or 269.429.1589 extension 112.

We apologize for any inconvenience, but this project has been moved to the fast lane.

Have an amazing season!

GO SOCCER AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR BEING A PART!!!

Love y’all ; ).

Jefferson

Hello!

Picture day is around the corner and I wanted to fill everyone in on some changes and what to expect on picture day this year. Picture day will be spread out over two days this year due to the massive, and amazing!!!, number of players and teams. We want to make sure each player and team has a successful and happy picture day.

Picture packets will be delivered to your coach and they will be handing them out to you ASAP. I have included a list below for the schedule for picture day. Please make sure you show up on time and ready to go. Please remember to do your best to social distance yourself from other teams. Your coach will determine what color jersey you will be wearing so look to them for that guidance. 

Now the fun stuff, masks…they will need to continue to be worn up until your picture time. When your child is having their picture taken they will take their mask off. Team pictures will have all players wear their mask up until the picture is taken, they will remove their mask briefly to take the team picture and then masks will be required back on. Please communicate with your child if they are wearing a gaiter or anything around their neck if they would like that taken off during their photos. 

Look below for your team name and time for picture day. 

May 1st Picture Day

8:00 AM	8:20 AM	8:40 AM	9:00 AM	9:20 AM	9:40 AM
U4 Team 7	U4 Team 2	U4 Team 6	U4 Team 1	U12 Team 4	U6 BOYS Team 8
U4 Team 8	U6 BOYS Team 1	U4 Team 4	U4 Team 9	U12 Team 2
U4 Team 3	U6 BOYS Team 6	U4 Team 5	U4 Team 10	U6 BOYS Team 4
10:00 AM	10:20 AM	10:45 AM	11:00 AM	11:25 AM	11:45 AM
U8 BOYS Team 3	U8 BOYS Team 1	U8 BOYS Team 4	U8 BOYS Team 8	U8 GIRLS Team 1	U8 GIRLS Team 10
U8 BOYS Team 10	U8 BOYS Team 6	U8 BOYS Team 9	U8 GIRLS Team 7	U8 GIRLS Team 6	U8 GIRLS Team 4
U8 BOYS Team 2	U8 BOYS Team 7	U8 BOYS Team 5	U8 GIRLS Team 5	U8 GIRLS Team 2	U8 GIRLS Team 8
12:00 PM	12:15
U8 GIRLS Team 3	U10 GIRLS Team 1
U8 GIRLS Team 9	U10 GIRLS Team 3
U10 GIRLS Team 2	U14 COED

If you do not see your team your pictures will be taken on May 8th, look for the schedule to follow in the next few days! Any questions feel free to email me. 

Stephanie Watkins | Picture Coordinator

SWM Rec (Formerly Lakeshore Youth Soccer League) e: stephanie@lakeshoreyouthsoccer.com w: www.swmrec.com

Like SWM Rec on Facebook!

As I’d mentioned in my last update, this event was originally scheduled for tomorrow and was planned to be in person at the Lakeshore Youth Soccer Complex. Again, out of respect for Governor Whitmer’s request we have decided to hold this event Thursday, virtually.

This event is intended for you, the Parent (and Coaches), to provide you an opportunity to meet in person and to ask any questions you’d like. There’s only so much you can do via email, websites, blah blah, blah, it just never replaces that ‘In-Person’ element. Please join us in the following:

U4 and U14 Division: Meet Your League Night

Thursday, April 15 · 6:00 – 6:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xyo-ruwc-cqu

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 929-249-4792 PIN: ‪643 203 544#

U6 Division: Meet Your League Night

Thursday, April 15 · 6:30 – 7:00pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/mqw-zggz-yvj

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 785-251-8906 PIN: ‪736 886 649#

U8 Division: Meet Your League Night

Thursday, April 15 · 7:00 – 7:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rvu-qbjh-mko

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 443-671-4726 PIN: ‪939 351 181#

U10 and U12 Division: Meet Your League Night

Thursday, April 15 · 7:30 – 8:00pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gga-vcbr-uoo

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 240-514-8491 PIN: ‪156 292 050#

Seating (or spots available to join) is limited and we expect to have several in attendance. First come, first serve. So, join early if you can. We will have 30 minutes for each and will begin promptly on the hour and half hour.

Please if you have any questions prior, shoot me an email at president@lakshoreyouthsoccer.com and I’d be happy to answer.

Jefferson

PS: Coach Equipment will be delivered April 17^th. Teams for U8, U10, and U12 will be created and communicated to you April 18^th. Your Coach will contact you soon after.

In response to Governor Whitmer’s latest Press Conference, April 9^th, MSYSA and SWM have been making adjustments to ensure compliance with her requests. (For reference, feel free to watch the Governor’s COVID-19 Update by clicking HERE.)

Our goal is to provide you the best youth recreational soccer experience possible, and this includes a safe and compliant one. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, and out of respect for Governor Whitmer, we have adjusted our approach to this event to be conducted virtually, Thursday April 15^th.

Prior to Thursday, we will send (and publish) you a link to attend the virtual event to allow for you to meet your Coaches and SWM Rec Leaders. The agenda for April 15^th is as follows:

U4 and U14 Divisions                                            6PM                 to         630PM

U6 Divisions (Girls and Boys)                                630PM             to         7PM

U8 Divisions (Girls and Boys)                                7PM                 to         730PM

U10 and U12 Divisions (Girls and Boys)               730PM             to         8PM

During this time, we will cover the following items:

1. Introduction to Board Members
2. Safety, COVID Considerations
3. Schedules, Teams, Game Format
4. Parking, Lincoln Charter Update
5. Question and Answer

Given the environment we are operating in, flexibility and patience is required. Thankfully, this event was planned with a backup option to allow for this to happen.

I promise, we are doing all we can to ensure you have an enjoyable, organized experience. Please if you have any questions, thoughts, suggestions, etc. reach out to me anytime at president@lakeshoreyouthsoccer.com.

Jefferson

PS: SWM Rec Player Cup Week will continue as planned, no changes for this event.

Hello SWM Rec,

First, thank you for allowing your child to play soccer in SWM Rec this season. We look forward to meeting all of you. We are extremely excited about this upcoming spring season! Second, our focus for this season will be to ensure your kiddo develops a love for soccer and is able to take with them valuable learning experiences applicable to every aspect of their lives.

For this season, and beyond, we kindly request that each participant be respectful of their teammates, opponents, officials, etc. It is our desire that each participant practice good sportsmanship and teamwork for everyone’s enjoyment. Please re-enforce with your kiddo.

Now for the moment each has been eagerly awaiting –> Team Formation and Coach Assignments. Teams have been formed for the Coed U4, U6 Girls, U6 Boys, and Coed U14 divisions. These teams are subject to change as we have had several Coaches come forward to lead, since our latest communication from SWM SC President Gil Urban. Naturally, with our new Coach additions, we respect our new Coach requests and adjust the team rosters accordingly. These changes will occur in the short-term but will settle firmly before April 10^th, if not sooner. Now, to unwrap the surprise of your Team Roster, please login to your SWM Rec Soccer by clicking HERE.

In the event you do not have an opportunity to check prior to our ‘Meet Your League Night’ hosted by Beth Staley, April 13^th, we will have the list available. As for the divisions for U8 Girls, U8 Boys, U10 Girls, and U8 Boys, and Coed U12, these will be formed at the conclusion of SWM Rec Player Cup Week.

We cannot wait to kick things off!

Brittany Dunham

Vice President of SWM Rec Soccer

VP@lakeshoreyouthsoccer.com

LAKESHORE LEGEND; MDOT ENGINEER APPOINTED TO COMPLEX DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Stevensville – Jarret Burgess has been appointed to the Lakeshore Youth Soccer Complex Development Committee as an Advisor. He will work with Committee Chair Jay Meeth, Committee Members Gil Urban and Jefferson Clark to ensure the capital improvement projects take into account our soccer community’s best interests and he will add his expertise in the area of civil engineering.

For those of you who do not know Coach Burgess, he is a graduate of Buchanan High School, where he lettered in Football and Baseball. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from Tri-State University now known as Trine University.

After graduating from college, he accepted a position with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in 2002 as a Design Engineer. He is currently employed by MDOT, and has worked in design, utilities, and permits. He oversees multiple bridge and road construction projects every year in SW Michigan.

He has coached varsity football for 19 years, 15 of which have been for Lakeshore. He has also coached high school track for about 17 years. He is a current Lakeshore Rocket Football Board Member and youth football coach and has been involved with the program for about 2 years.

Burgess has been involved in the Lakeshore community since 2004 and has lived here since 2016. His wife is Nicole Burgess, and they have 2 sons, Tyler (9) and Nathan (6). Both are active registrants of SWM Rec. His family loves Lincoln Charter and Lakeshore Schools and is deeply appreciative of what each provide to our community.

I know the Burgess family through my association with Lakeshore Youth Sports and jumped at the opportunity to add him to our team. I coached his son Tyler in t-ball, coach with him in Lakeshore Rocket Football, and will work alongside him in both Lakeshore Rocket Football and now SWM Rec Soccer. Couldn’t be more pleased to have him on our team.

When you see them, please tell them thank you for their time and service. Welcome to the team, Coach!

Jefferson

president@lakeshoreyouthsoccer.com